Lochte, who was most recently director of l-regional business development and assistant to the president, will lead and support a range of major initiatives at the University focused on developing important alliances and partnerships with significant potential benefit for U.Va.

Working with key stakeholders across Grounds, Lochte will coordinate the establishment of a “Strategic Corporate Partners” program designed to engage large-scale industry using a more coordinated and formal structure that optimizes the scale and quality of interactions across the University.

Lochte’s experience in economic development and complex corporate relationships, along with her ability to work with all units across Grounds, will enable her to position the University as best-in-class for high quality comprehensive partnerships that are sustained and grown over time, Hogan said.

“Pace has worked in industry and higher education, giving her a unique perspective on the benefits and challenges of each,” Hogan said. “She has done a phenomenal job working with the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the McIntire School of Commerce and others to develop our relationship with Rolls-Royce into one that has been recognized nationally.”

Barry Johnson, senior associate dean in the Engineering School, added, “She understands the importance of mutually beneficial agreements, the art of negotiation and the power of collaboration. Pace has worked at the local, state, national and international level to bring new opportunities to U.Va., often in schools and departments who have not traditionally been engaged in industry relations.”

Lochte has worked in various capacities at the University since 1987, including planning and construction of research buildings, research administration, marketing and land development for the U.Va. research parks and economic development. She has worked on the University’s strategic plan, secured over $10 million in federal and state funding, and helped launch the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing. Lochte also worked with a pan-University team to build a business model and create the Applied Research Institute, which will foster research related to homeland security, national intelligence and defense. She also coordinates the University’s economic development efforts in far Southwest Virginia and co-leads the Appalachian Prosperity Project.

Prior to coming to U.Va., Lochte worked in the oil and gas industry Chevron, and also served as an engineering consultant for several privately held firms.